The Strength of Our Flag

In a recently published study we see the strength of our flag. The study, LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF U.S. FLAG EXPOSURE ON REPUBLICANISM, was an eye opener. It makes many points on the positive effects of the flag on our political leanings. We have always known that our flag had an effect on how we feel. We have felt its power consistently throughout our nation’s short history. Francis Scott Key felt its power during the birth of this great nation. Our parents and grandparents felt its power when the stars and stripes were raised over Iwo Jima during WW2. We felt the power of old glory when it was rescued from the rubble of the World Trade Center towers after the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. This study proves beyond doubt that it is a truly powerful banner.

Here are a couple of good quotes from the study:

"A single exposure to an American flag resulted in a significant increase in participants' Republican voting intentions, voting behavior, political beliefs, and implicit and explicit attitudes, with some effects lasting eight months,"

"A single exposure to a small American flag during deliberation about voting intentions prior to a general election led to significant and robust changes in participants' voting intentions, voting behavior, and political attitudes, all in the politically conservative direction," 

That study's findings argued that attending July 4 parades are more beneficial to the Republican Party -- they boost turnout of GOP voters, increase Republican patriotism and turn kids into Republicans.

I love this country and I love our flag.

Hugo